It’s important that we can all afford to keep our homes warm and being mindful of our energy usage and efficiency is a big part of this. Setting your home at a consistent temperature of 18-21 degrees will keep you and your family healthy and prevent damp and mould from forming. Those who are elderly of vulnerable may need this set slightly higher.
If you’re concerned about your energy bills and the cost of heating your home, we’re here to help and can point you in the direction of further support. We have a team of Affordability Advisors, who work alongside our Energy team and can help you find the resources and support you’re entitled to. Find out more below or get in touch with our Energy team.
You may be eligible for support from the Government to help with the cost of your energy bills. Each of the below schemes have their own eligibility criteria and we can talk you through the best options for you.
Winter fuel payment
If you were born on or before 5 October 1954 you could receive between £100 and £300 to help pay your heating bills.
Cold weather payment
You may receive this if you’re on certain benefits and local temperatures have dropped below zero degrees for seven consecutive days.
Warm home discount
This scheme offers a £150 discount for low-income households. The money is not paid to you - it’s a one-off discount on your electricity bill, between October and March.
Lighting makes up 11% of the average UK household electricity consumption but switching could save you £15 per bulb each year.
This age-old tip will save you around £25 a year on your energy bills.
Swapping just one bath a week with a 4-minute shower could save you £20 a year.
You can save around £30 a year just by remembering to not leave your appliances on standby.
Using your washing machine on a 30-degree cycle and reducing by one run per week, could help you save around £34 a year.
Getting out of the shower one minute earlier every day will save up to £7 a year off your energy bills, per person.
A smart meter can be a useful tool to help you keep track of your daily usage and ensure your energy bills are accurate. Being able to automatically see how much gas and electricity you’re using will help you make changes that could save you money. Your energy provider will tell you if you can have a smart meter installed in your home. Learn more about smart meters and keeping your home warm in the leaflet below.
We’re always looking for ways to improve the energy efficiency of our homes, while also reducing our tenant’s energy bills. From installing Air Source Heat Pumps, to adding wall and floor insulation to your home, there are many ways we can do this. You can learn more about our commitment to energy efficient homes and find out how you might benefit below.
If you have questions about your home and energy usage or would like advice on the best options for you, please get in touch with our Energy team who will be happy to help!
